February is National Pet Dental Month, and we’re all set to dive into the world of pearly whites for our furry friends. If you’ve been diligently flossing and brushing your own teeth but haven’t given a second thought to your pet’s dental care, fear not! We’re here to guide you through the importance of dental home care and how it can keep those canine and feline grins gleaming. 😁

Step 1: Dental Disease in Pets

Let’s start with the basics: What exactly is dental disease, and why should you care? Dental disease is more than bad breath; it’s a bacterial infection and inflammation of the gums that can seriously affect your pet’s overall health. If left untreated, it can lead to oral pain, tooth decay, and even systemic health complications. 😱

Step 2: Periodontal Disease Symptoms and Complications

Imagine a world where your pet’s breath is as fresh as a summer breeze! Unfortunately, untreated dental disease can lead to many symptoms, from inflamed gums to discolored teeth and tooth loss. But it doesn’t stop there—periodontal disease can take a toll on your pet’s organs, leading to infections, organ damage, and, in severe cases, early death. Yikes! The good news is that proper dental home care can be a game-changer.

Step 3: Home Care Products

At Pet Health, we believe prevention is the key to a bright and healthy smile. We have various home care products to make dental care a breeze for pet parents and their furry companions.

Toothbrushing: If your pet is up for it, brushing their teeth is the gold standard. Aim for once a day, and if that’s a tall order, occasional brushing is better than none. For tips and tricks, please check out our blog on the Importance of Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth
Dental Wipes: For the non-brushers, dental wipes or pads provide a plaque-removing benefit similar to brushing. Daily use is ideal for maximum effectiveness.
Preventative Gels: These magical gels protect your pet’s teeth, shielding them from plaque and tartar buildup. A weekly application is all it takes!
Dental Chews and Treats: Make dental care a treat with specially formulated chews that reduce plaque and tartar. They’re perfect for pets who won’t tolerate brushing and even come with fresh breath benefits.
Dental Diets: Swap out regular kibble for dental diets designed to promote healthy teeth. They encourage chewing, helping to remove plaque and tartar.

Step 4: How to Choose Pet Dental Care Products

When shopping for dental care products, look for the Veterinary Oral Health Care (VOHC) seal of approval. These products are vetted by dental specialists and proven to slow the buildup of plaque and tartar. Check out the list of approved products on the VOHC website, or better yet, ask our veterinarians during your next visit! 🏆

Step 5: Why Professional Pet Dental Cleanings Are Essential

Like us, our pets benefit from regular professional cleanings. Despite your best at-home efforts, your pet will still need extra love from our dental team. Professional cleanings, including scaling and polishing, are akin to a spa day for your pet’s teeth. They’re safe, effective, and conducted under general anesthesia for your pet’s comfort.

Step 6: How Often Should a Pet Have a Professional Dental Cleaning?

The frequency of professional cleanings depends on genetics and home care. While you can’t change your pet’s genetics, you have control over their dental care routine at home. The better you care for those teeth between professional cleanings, the less often they’ll need to visit our dental spa. 🛁

So there you have it—a crash course on the importance of dental home care for your pets! Let’s commit to bringing out the sparkle in our pets’ smiles this National Pet Dental Month. Whether it’s a toothbrushing session, a tasty dental treat, or a visit to our dental spa, your pet’s smile is worth celebrating. Here’s to radiant grins and wagging tails all year long at Pet Health! 📆